Robertson-Wesley United Church
Robertson-Wesley United Church is a church located a short distance west of the downtown core of the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the neighbourhood of Oliver.
| Robertson-Wesley United Church | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | United Church of Canada |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Church |
| Year consecrated | 1914 |
| Status | Operational |
| Location | |
| Location | 10209 123 Street NW Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1N3 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | David S. McIlroy (original), G.H. McDonald (addition) |
| Style | High Victorian Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1913 |
| Materials | Red brick, Stone |
Robertson-Wesley is a congregation of the United Church of Canada, and is a progressive and caring community. They are known for strong music and preaching, continued service through mission and outreach in Edmonton and the world, and for the architectural beauty of the building.
The current congregation was formed in 1971 when the congregations of Robertson United Church and Wesley United Church merged. The new congregation moved into the Robertson United Church building.
The church building is an example of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture featuring a barrel vaulted ceiling, curved pews, and excellent acoustics.[1]
Ministry & Worship
Faith
Robertson-Wesley is part of the United Church of Canada, the largest Canadian Christian denomination after the Catholic Church.
All are welcome regardless of their faith tradition. They welcome theological diversity and the exploration of faith.
Statement of Welcome & Inclusion
We open our hearts and our church family to all people in our community regardless of sexual orientation, age, gender identity, differing abilities, ethnicity, or economic circumstances. Many people’s lives continue to be devastated by hatred, prejudice, and inequality, therefore we stand with those who are adversely affected by injustice, alienation and oppression.
History
100 years of History
The minister Rev. Rupert Gregg Stewart and his assistant George B. McKean laid the cornerstone of the new building on July 1, 1913. It contains copies of the daily papers (Edmonton Bulletin, Edmonton Journal and Edmonton Capital), the local church paper “The Westland” and “Presbyterian Record,” the annual reports of the church for the years 1910 to 1912, and coins of the day.
The opening service was held on January 24, 1914 and people came each evening during that week. Everyone was impressed by the new church. Built of Redcliff pressed brick and faced with Chicago limestone, architectural style of the church is an adaptation of the High Victorian Gothic Revival, typical of the churches built in the early 1900s in Western Canada. The interior was designed in the congregational style, with curved pews and balconies.
The new Robertson church building’s expansion was halted by World War I. The city's population decreased, leaving people and organizations with huge debts. The Depression of the 1930s and then the Second World War delayed any new construction until the 1950s, when the Memorial Hall and Chapel were erected. Wesley faced similar issues. Also built of Redcliff brick with a wooden shingle roof, the Sunday School building served as both church and Sunday School until 1958 when the Christian Education building was opened. The original building met the needs of the congregation, with meeting rooms of various sizes on the lower level, and on the main floor an auditorium with balconies.
When church denomination union was discussed in the 1920s, both congregations were in favour and conversations were occasionally held to discern union considering their close proximity. In 1971, the churches amalgamated to become Robertson-Wesley United Church. Proceeds from the sale of the Wesley property were invested for community outreach and the fund still is used today. The congregation also helped begin several United congregations including Jasper Place (now St. Andrews), Ebenezer and Westminster (now closed), and Gilchrist Memorial (now Spirit West).
Historic Designation
Robertson-Wesley was declared a Historic Heritage building in 1989 (in 2004 it received city designation). The 100-foot steeple of the church is a landmark and an important symbol of the congregation. Combined with stylized wind representing the Spirit, it was incorporated into a new church logo in 2008.
Predecessor churches
Robertson United Church (Robertson Presbyterian Church)
Robertson Presbyterian Church was formed in 1909 as an offshoot of First Presbyterian Church. The first meetings of the new congregation were held in the basement of First Presbyterian until a new building was built in 1910. The new congregation was named for Presbyterian Missionary Superintendent James Robertson. (Peyton n.d.:6-7)
Robertson Presbyterian soon outgrew its original church building, and a new building was constructed on the north east corner of 123 Street and 102 Avenue in 1913. The first service was held in the new building in early 1914. (Peyton n.d., 12-3)
In 1925, the membership of Robertson voted to join the United Church of Canada, which was founded that year. The name of the church changed to Robertson United Church.
In 1971, Robertson formally merged with Wesley United Church, forming Robertson-Wesley United Church.
Wesley United Church (Wesley Methodist Church)
Wesley Methodist Church was founded in 1907. It was the fourth Methodist church established in Edmonton on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River, the other three being McDougall, Norwood and Grace.[2] Originally, the congregation of Wesley met in a tent, but soon moved to a new wood frame church building located just north of Jasper Avenue.(Peyton n.d.:3)
Like Robertson, Wesley outgrew its original building, and in 1913 moved to a new building on the south west corner of 117 Street and 102 Avenue. The congregation continued to use this building right up to the end of 1970.(Peyton n.d:9)
In 1925, the membership of Wesley voted to join the United Church of Canada. The name of the church changed to Wesley United Church.
In 1971, Wesley merged with Robertson United. Arrangements were made to incorporate many memorials from the Wesley church building into the Robertson church building. The Wesley building was later sold to the Canadian Native Friendship Centre. Funds from the sale were placed in trust for community development. (Peyton n.d.:57)
Notable people associated with Robertson-Wesley
- Rev. L. Bruce Miller, former minister elected to the Alberta Legislature in 2004
Notes
- Real Estate Weekly
- Grace, now Grace United Church, is now located south of the river.
References
- Peyton, Amy (n.d.) One Body in Christ, A History of Robertson-Wesley United Church